![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 40. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by gilmourr on January 14, 2013, at 10:35:24
I'm looking into unilateral ECT. Has anyone had it done, or heard of others that used it?
Can it provide permanent relief or is it 100% always temporary?
So sick and tired of the pill game.
Posted by Phillipa on January 14, 2013, at 11:58:57
In reply to Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by gilmourr on January 14, 2013, at 10:35:24
There are quite a few babblers who have received ECT. I'm sure they will respond soon. So does this mean no more parnate or are you researching. Phillipa
Posted by AlexCanada on January 14, 2013, at 17:43:50
In reply to Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by gilmourr on January 14, 2013, at 10:35:24
> I'm looking into unilateral ECT. Has anyone had it done, or heard of others that used it?
>
> Can it provide permanent relief or is it 100% always temporary?
>
> So sick and tired of the pill game.Don't buy the pathetic hype. ECT, MAOIs, RTMS, and more are all stated as solutions for when ''other'' options fail. And usually it's absolute nonsense except in the case of MAOI's.
I had ECT and it destroyed my memory. I have antero grade memory loss and every single day I have to struggle with it. Aside from that my mind is not as bright as it once was.
Brain damage is perminent. There are studies which showcase long term damage. Do not buy the rediculous hype that memory problems and other cognitive issues simply dissapear after a few months. It's nonsense.
Don't make the mistake I did. This stone age treatment is a full frontal lobotomy disguised as a treatment.
Sure, for a few people it may genuinely work but the price is far too high.
If you ever dare commit to ECT prepare to commit to being dumber for the rest of your life. I wish I could turn back the clock but I can only attempt to make the best of what I have left.
If you're running out options or grasping at straws (like I am) then try Rhodiola Rosea (works on day 1), or Licorice Root (proven to heal adrenal fatigue, depression and other health problems). Or pharma med #22...
Posted by Hugh on January 14, 2013, at 17:44:51
In reply to Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by gilmourr on January 14, 2013, at 10:35:24
A friend of mine has been getting ECT for several years. He had about a half-dozen sessions in two weeks. His depression returned a few months later, so he now has an ECT maintenance session about every six weeks.
Kitty Dukakis first received ECT in 2001. She gets a maintenance session once a month. She's written about her experience in her book Shock. An excellent account of what it's like to undergo ECT is Martha Manning's Undercurrents. Her depression went into remission for two years after her first round of treatments. When her depression returned, she had another round of ECT, and her depression again went into remission.
Posted by baseball55 on January 14, 2013, at 20:34:15
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by Hugh on January 14, 2013, at 17:44:51
I did both unilateral and bilateral ECT. Neither helped one iota. Both were incredibly stressful experiences, completely unpleasant, waking up sick and confused and staying that way for hours. With bilateral, I lost my memory of lots of small but important things. It came back after a couple of months, but the things that happened while I was undergoing the ECT (over three weeks), I have no memory of at all.
Kitty is a former neighbor of mine and I know she really believes in ECT and benefits from it. But I would try every pill under the sun before I would try ECT.
Posted by johnLA on January 14, 2013, at 21:22:10
In reply to Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by gilmourr on January 14, 2013, at 10:35:24
hi gilmour-
i had 12 unilateral ect's over 2 years ago. the first few worked. was quite amazing actually. unfortunately the effects did not last.
i do not believe i suffer from long-term damage. i did have some memory issues around the time of the treatments.
my actual current depression is causing me more cognitive issues than the ect did. i can be sure of that. how? because i can still mentally do the things i did before ect. my depression though keeps me from doing those things consistently. if i had brain damage i'm thinking i would not be able to do these things even in my limited way now.
if you go this route i highly suggest going to a top notch hospital. i did mine at ucla. i will not mention names, but i was surprised at the amount of well known people having the treatment. i believe all were on maintenance ect. these were/are highly functional people.
i had ect done very early in my depressive episode. i was inpatient and really scared. i had never had suicidal thoughts before in my life. i still can't believe i had it done. looking back, for me, i think i could have tried more meds and stayed locked-up longer before ect was suggested. oh well.
there is a part of me that regrets having it. mostly stigma and shame. still, i have been playing with the idea of trying it again! the doc wanted to do more, but i had had enough. mostly i think because i had to stop my klonopin abruptly. and, klonopin seems to be the only med i have tried to give me some relief these past 3 years.
the procedure itself is scary the first time. i was crying quite a bit. but, the whole staff was quite kind at ucla. it became pretty routine after #2 or 3. no big deal. no real headache/etc. you are literally out for a few minutes and then waking-up. you do have a 'buzz' going on in your head. a good one. like i said, too bad it didn't last.
finally, almost all ect patients will still be put on meds. i either was not told this or forgot. i was under the impression that it was ect or meds. rarely the case. even w/maintenance ect meds are usually involved. some say meds work better after ect.
i can't tell you to have it or not. but, i can tell you that most of what you will read will be negative. hard decision when people are talking permanent brain damage and so on. again, i met people who have been doing ect for quite some time and were highly functional.
let me know if you have any more questions.
good luck to us all.
john
Posted by gilmourr on January 14, 2013, at 23:08:24
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT? » gilmourr, posted by AlexCanada on January 14, 2013, at 17:43:50
> > I'm looking into unilateral ECT. Has anyone had it done, or heard of others that used it?
> >
> > Can it provide permanent relief or is it 100% always temporary?
> >
> > So sick and tired of the pill game.
>
> Don't buy the pathetic hype. ECT, MAOIs, RTMS, and more are all stated as solutions for when ''other'' options fail. And usually it's absolute nonsense except in the case of MAOI's.
>
> I had ECT and it destroyed my memory. I have antero grade memory loss and every single day I have to struggle with it. Aside from that my mind is not as bright as it once was.
>
> Brain damage is perminent. There are studies which showcase long term damage. Do not buy the rediculous hype that memory problems and other cognitive issues simply dissapear after a few months. It's nonsense.
>
> Don't make the mistake I did. This stone age treatment is a full frontal lobotomy disguised as a treatment.
>
> Sure, for a few people it may genuinely work but the price is far too high.
>
> If you ever dare commit to ECT prepare to commit to being dumber for the rest of your life. I wish I could turn back the clock but I can only attempt to make the best of what I have left.
>
> If you're running out options or grasping at straws (like I am) then try Rhodiola Rosea (works on day 1), or Licorice Root (proven to heal adrenal fatigue, depression and other health problems). Or pharma med #22...
>
>Did you have bilateral ECT though? I would only get unilateral, but I'm actually looking at magnetic seizure therapy which has WAY less reported side effects.
I don't understand how so many people apparently have long term memory issues because the journals and all studies seem to show that memory is not affected in the long term. Could it be that you weren't helped (remission of depression) and it's affecting you cognitive function? Because when I'm majorly depressed I feel brain dead.
Living with depression will eat away at my mind as well.
Posted by gilmourr on January 14, 2013, at 23:10:43
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by Hugh on January 14, 2013, at 17:44:51
> A friend of mine has been getting ECT for several years. He had about a half-dozen sessions in two weeks. His depression returned a few months later, so he now has an ECT maintenance session about every six weeks.
>
> Kitty Dukakis first received ECT in 2001. She gets a maintenance session once a month. She's written about her experience in her book Shock. An excellent account of what it's like to undergo ECT is Martha Manning's Undercurrents. Her depression went into remission for two years after her first round of treatments. When her depression returned, she had another round of ECT, and her depression again went into remission.This is more like what I've heard/read about. It seems that it works for 6 months - 2 years and you get maintenance.
I'm thinking of using Magnetic seizure therapy which is less invasive than ECT and then after I'm on it I'll go on Nardil. Which can work.
Did you friend have a 70%+ of his depression remit? And did it help with comorbid symptoms?
TY!
Posted by gilmourr on January 14, 2013, at 23:13:13
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by baseball55 on January 14, 2013, at 20:34:15
> I did both unilateral and bilateral ECT. Neither helped one iota. Both were incredibly stressful experiences, completely unpleasant, waking up sick and confused and staying that way for hours. With bilateral, I lost my memory of lots of small but important things. It came back after a couple of months, but the things that happened while I was undergoing the ECT (over three weeks), I have no memory of at all.
>
> Kitty is a former neighbor of mine and I know she really believes in ECT and benefits from it. But I would try every pill under the sun before I would try ECT.Yep this sounds like what I've heard. Memory issues are short term but come back for the majority or like 95% of people. Its just the treatments where you won't have any memory of basically.
I wouldn't do bilateral, only unilateral or magnetic seizure therapy.
After 12 meds and different combos I'm tired of trying meds. I'm 22 and I want my life back. Not willing to play with meds for the next 10 years if an option can save my life
Posted by gilmourr on January 14, 2013, at 23:20:03
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by johnLA on January 14, 2013, at 21:22:10
This was a perfect summary.
I as well feel the same way. Depression is destroying my brain and I think it does way more damage than ECT will. I am actually going to try MST (magnetic seizure therapy first) it's ECT but using magnets so the whole brain isnt affected. Should be way less side effects.
I've been throuhg 11-12 meds and I'm young (22) so I want to get a handle on this sh*t before it's too late.
I understand I'd be on meds after, I think Nardil is perfect if MST can get me at least 50% of the way there.
I think I'd be getting a premium service as I'm at the best psych hospital in Toronto.
There's nothing to be ashamed of. ECT is a service for an illness just like chemo is for cancer patients. Never feel ashamed of having that done. Some people will not understand. Make them understand or f*ck them.
I just want a good/effective procedure to get me in remission so I can enjoy life again. I've been mentally messed up for 23 months now, and I'm getting f*ck*ng burnt out.
> hi gilmour-
>
> i had 12 unilateral ect's over 2 years ago. the first few worked. was quite amazing actually. unfortunately the effects did not last.
>
> i do not believe i suffer from long-term damage. i did have some memory issues around the time of the treatments.
>
> my actual current depression is causing me more cognitive issues than the ect did. i can be sure of that. how? because i can still mentally do the things i did before ect. my depression though keeps me from doing those things consistently. if i had brain damage i'm thinking i would not be able to do these things even in my limited way now.
>
> if you go this route i highly suggest going to a top notch hospital. i did mine at ucla. i will not mention names, but i was surprised at the amount of well known people having the treatment. i believe all were on maintenance ect. these were/are highly functional people.
>
> i had ect done very early in my depressive episode. i was inpatient and really scared. i had never had suicidal thoughts before in my life. i still can't believe i had it done. looking back, for me, i think i could have tried more meds and stayed locked-up longer before ect was suggested. oh well.
>
> there is a part of me that regrets having it. mostly stigma and shame. still, i have been playing with the idea of trying it again! the doc wanted to do more, but i had had enough. mostly i think because i had to stop my klonopin abruptly. and, klonopin seems to be the only med i have tried to give me some relief these past 3 years.
>
> the procedure itself is scary the first time. i was crying quite a bit. but, the whole staff was quite kind at ucla. it became pretty routine after #2 or 3. no big deal. no real headache/etc. you are literally out for a few minutes and then waking-up. you do have a 'buzz' going on in your head. a good one. like i said, too bad it didn't last.
>
> finally, almost all ect patients will still be put on meds. i either was not told this or forgot. i was under the impression that it was ect or meds. rarely the case. even w/maintenance ect meds are usually involved. some say meds work better after ect.
>
> i can't tell you to have it or not. but, i can tell you that most of what you will read will be negative. hard decision when people are talking permanent brain damage and so on. again, i met people who have been doing ect for quite some time and were highly functional.
>
> let me know if you have any more questions.
>
> good luck to us all.
>
> john
>
>
>
>
Posted by gilmourr on January 14, 2013, at 23:22:35
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT? » gilmourr, posted by Phillipa on January 14, 2013, at 11:58:57
> There are quite a few babblers who have received ECT. I'm sure they will respond soon. So does this mean no more parnate or are you researching. Phillipa
Thanks for the support. I think you're mixing me up with someone. I didn't try parnate recently. I tried it like 6 months ago and it was awful.
Currently I took a break from nardil because it was messing sh*t up for some reason and I'm on Zoloft 100 mg
Posted by johnLA on January 15, 2013, at 0:10:02
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by gilmourr on January 14, 2013, at 23:20:03
gilmour(r!)-
glad you liked the summary.
i totally agree that depression causes more havoc on the mind than ect. at least in my experience.
thanks for the kind words about shame and stigma. your a kind dude. :)
i am very interested in the magnetic seizure therapy you are looking into. is it a trial or a approved procedure now in canada? i'd be willing to try that asap. i have read about it, but have not seen it approved (in the us) yet.
please keep us posted on that.
also, i am very curious about the 'new' deep tms therapy that just got approved. i was not that impressed with what i read about the old tms, but this newer procedure i find hopeful.
take good care.
john
ps you ever hit 'new orleans' on queen street downtown toronto? that's where i mended a broken heart many years ago and fell in love w/jazz...
Posted by gilmourr on January 15, 2013, at 6:03:59
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by johnLA on January 15, 2013, at 0:10:02
No problem. I understand all the b*llsh*t people with major depression have to go through. It's an awful disorder. Every time I go back into major depression I can hardly stand music, I can't read (anything except journals), I'm lethargic, I don't enjoy anything and I can't sleep (along with more, lose massive weight etc etc, but you know).
It is a clinical trial I believe. But I'm making sure that it is relatively safe and that past results have shown that.
By "new tms" are you talking about rTMS or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation? I was offered this, but I wouldn't be able to get it for 2 months and my depression is pretty severe atm. I'm not sure if I want to wait longer for a less effective therapy. But it is safer and increases cognitive function. Plus I believe it has an effect on the glutaminergic/gabergic system. But the results are much more mixed than MST.
And yep. I've been down to queen street a bunch of times, a bunch of my family loves going to "the rex." I've never been personally, just not the biggest fan of jazz :P (I like rap, hip hop, R&B, bands and electronica more).
If I get the treatment over rTMS I will definitely post the results.
> gilmour(r!)-
>
> glad you liked the summary.
>
> i totally agree that depression causes more havoc on the mind than ect. at least in my experience.
>
> thanks for the kind words about shame and stigma. your a kind dude. :)
>
> i am very interested in the magnetic seizure therapy you are looking into. is it a trial or a approved procedure now in canada? i'd be willing to try that asap. i have read about it, but have not seen it approved (in the us) yet.
>
> please keep us posted on that.
>
> also, i am very curious about the 'new' deep tms therapy that just got approved. i was not that impressed with what i read about the old tms, but this newer procedure i find hopeful.
>
> take good care.
>
> john
>
> ps you ever hit 'new orleans' on queen street downtown toronto? that's where i mended a broken heart many years ago and fell in love w/jazz...
Posted by AlexCanada on January 15, 2013, at 8:01:15
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by gilmourr on January 14, 2013, at 23:08:24
They hooked up things on both sides. Whether this indicates bilateral I am not sure. It was over 9 years ago. Please consider other options before attempting ECT.Most of those journals and studies are absolutely outdated. It took decades before we knew the dangerous of nicotine and apparantly it has taken decades for more reliable information to emerge regarding ECT. Last year there was a new study which strongly indicates irreversible brain damage.
i don't know if websites are allowed to be posted here but it's been reported on the HuffingtonPost
google ECT brain damage study, results will be from April 9th 2012.
It takes this long for further evidence to show up? Rediculous isn't it.
It was Hemmingway I believe whom killed himself after ECT. Claimed he could no longer write since he had lost his mind.
The symptoms of melancholic depression which you describe in another reply are absolutely identical to mine. May I ask which medications, suppliments, or herbals have worked best for you? Because I am also looking for options. I been on over few dozen meds and most have been ineffective.
For me Paxil worked moderately well for a while (other SSRI's were complete failures), Parnate was very helpful for almost 3 years until it lost much effect. Gabapentin seemed like a small miracle for almost a year but beyond that develops much tolerance. These days Gabapentin only helps for the first 2-3 days in which I take it and then I pretty much have to stop. Rapid tolerance onset. It may cause some small sedation but it helps restore interest and pleasure on a substantial manner. Risperidone helped in some moderate regard but I felt dumb.
Ritalin and Dexedrine were miraculous and helped me feel like my old self again. I felt my world coming back to me after feeling disconnected for so long. I could feel emotion, pleasure, desire, and interest in things which were felt long lost. I was suddenly even speaking to old friends again. But... it developed much tolerance over the years. I still take ritalin but I don't know what to do with it anymore. I have taken some breaks every so often and then upon start up it would bring forth a very positive response but it never does last. Long term use could also mean dopamine down regulation. Should I end up stopping it? I don't know.
Rhodiola Rosea also helped me integrate back towards something which could almost resemble work. It allowed me to be much more productive and motivated than most other substances I've tried. It works on day 1 but time of day when taken and dosage is tricky. small dose changes can have a very different effect, whether it's sedating, activating, etc.
>
> Did you have bilateral ECT though? I would only get unilateral, but I'm actually looking at magnetic seizure therapy which has WAY less reported side effects.
>
> I don't understand how so many people apparently have long term memory issues because the journals and all studies seem to show that memory is not affected in the long term. Could it be that you weren't helped (remission of depression) and it's affecting you cognitive function? Because when I'm majorly depressed I feel brain dead.
>
> Living with depression will eat away at my mind as well.
Posted by AlexCanada on January 15, 2013, at 8:17:29
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by gilmourr on January 14, 2013, at 23:13:13
> I wouldn't do bilateral, only unilateral or magnetic seizure therapy.
>
> After 12 meds and different combos I'm tired of trying meds. I'm 22 and I want my life back. Not willing to play with meds for the next 10 years if an option can save my life
>
>Of those 12 which have worked best? I'm at a bit of a dead end as well. I'd have more options if Canada allowed importation but new strict laws have been put in place so some really promising options such as Amisulpride, Latuda and others are not realistic unfortunately.
Posted by Hugh on January 15, 2013, at 10:43:23
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by gilmourr on January 14, 2013, at 23:10:43
> Did you friend have a 70%+ of his depression remit? And did it help with comorbid symptoms?
He's certainly not depression free on ECT. Probably not even 70%. And he still takes antidepressants. But before ECT he was severely depressed, and had attempted suicide at least twice.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 15, 2013, at 17:17:29
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT? » gilmourr, posted by Hugh on January 15, 2013, at 10:43:23
Hi mate
before you consider undergoing ECT, would you consider posting a list of which drugs you've tried, and what effect each had on your symptoms
A few of us (especialy Mr SLS) might have some ideas that could help without going through ECT, which while it can be life saving in severe melancholic depression, could hardly be described as a fun experience
Posted by Hugh on January 15, 2013, at 17:57:04
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by gilmourr on January 15, 2013, at 6:03:59
> By "new tms" are you talking about rTMS or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation?
Last week the FDA approved Deep TMS for depression. It's been available in Europe for three years. rTMS normally penetrates only about 1.5 cm into the brain. The newer Deep TMS, manufactured by Brainsway, penetrates 6 or 7 cm. It looks like it was just approved in Canada today.
http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000814731&fid=1725
Posted by baseball55 on January 15, 2013, at 19:01:36
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by gilmourr on January 14, 2013, at 23:13:13
> After 12 meds and different combos I'm tired of trying meds. I'm 22 and I want my life back. Not willing to play with meds for the next 10 years if an option can save my life
Fair enough. Unilateral wasn't nearly so bad as bilateral, which was so devastating I had to do it in the hospital because it took me a full day or two to recover. Unilateral you can do as an outpatient if you have friends who can drive you and wait for you.
Posted by baseball55 on January 15, 2013, at 19:09:26
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by baseball55 on January 15, 2013, at 19:01:36
Before I did ECT, I read a meta-study from a medical journal about its effects. The study did find cognitive effects in many patients but rarely permanent. It also found that the benefits were nowhere near as high as some claims made (3/4 patients achieve remission, etc). I used to have it on my computer until I got a virus and lost my files. I can't remember the author's name. I'll check my flash drives tomorrow and see if I saved it somewhere.
Posted by Zyprexa on January 15, 2013, at 22:22:49
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by baseball55 on January 15, 2013, at 19:09:26
I have nothing good to say about ECT, except that it got me to take my meds.
If anything I think it made me stupider. In one year I had about the max # of ECTs posible. About 3 a week for many weeks on two occasions. When I first got sick, I would not take my meds, I thought I didn't need them and that I was fine. But my psychosis got the better of me and they put me in the hospital where they gave me ECTs each time. My first hospital stay I can't remember much of, except for a lot of realy crazy dreams. They had me on meds and ect. I was not suicidal (from what I can remember)before ECT or after. Not realy sure what it did for my depression, because I don't remember. 15 years later and I don't have my memory back, and I think I may be a little brain damaged from it. The memory loss is great. I've had people tell me I did things which I have no memory of. Also when I was getting the ECTs I had a very active/distorted dream life. I honestly can't say much for ECT except that it made me stupid.
Posted by baseball55 on January 15, 2013, at 23:35:44
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by baseball55 on January 15, 2013, at 19:09:26
Can't find the article, but I think the author's name was Sackheim.
Posted by gilmourr on January 16, 2013, at 0:17:39
In reply to Re: Gillmore, posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 15, 2013, at 17:17:29
> Hi mate
>
> before you consider undergoing ECT, would you consider posting a list of which drugs you've tried, and what effect each had on your symptoms
>
> A few of us (especialy Mr SLS) might have some ideas that could help without going through ECT, which while it can be life saving in severe melancholic depression, could hardly be described as a fun experienceMore than glad to.
Paxil - nothing @ 30 mg, 8 weeks
Prozac - Side effect sh*t storm, vomiting, no go here
Cipralex - 40% reduction in depression @ 20 mg, LOADS of insomnia, slept like 1 hour every 2 days. (8 weeks)
Zoloft - No side effects or just mild GI symptoms, seemed to work on depression and anxiety as well as cipralex (best SSRI)
(8-9 weeks)Nardil - F*ck*ng godly. This was almost remission, but I went to 60 mg and had bad mood swings so I came off it. When I went on 45 mg after 14 days being off it, it didn't work as well and I had more side effects. So this MAY be an option, I just think I need a break from it. (Also it gave me shivers and cold intolerance, if there's a way to get rid of this side effect it'd be PERFECT). (10-12 weeks)
Remeron - Slept 14-16 hours a day, great AD, nothing for anxiety, massive acne out breaks. Overall its good but I felt like a retard on this as I couldn't think. 8 weeks at 7.5 mg (I know, 7.5 mg...)
Effexor XR - High BP 165/125 and rising, stabbing chest pains, quit after 13 days. The chest pain was really bad. 75 mg
Celexa - Awful sexual dysfunction, even worse insomnia than cipralex. I wanted to go to sleep so badly but just couldn't. 20-30 mgParnate - Had a great AD response at 30 mg for 2 days, then it crashed. Then was hypothermic for 18 days straight. Freezing my *ss of so badly.
Lamictal - It was looking promising, but I had breathing issues on it, I could hardly breathe. It was 24/7 and did not seem tied to anxiety.
I want to go back on Nardil because it's godly, I just am waiting 2 months to see if the effect comes back. But I think it's too much norepinephrine. Though TWICE at 45 mg I had only constipation and it was working well. For some reason the 3rd time I tried Nardil it gave me all my side effects of 60 mg (even though I was on 45 mg) which I was like wtf. So I'd probably start at 30 mg this time and see if that's enough. I've never tried 30 mg.
Posted by gilmourr on January 16, 2013, at 0:20:26
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT? » gilmourr, posted by Hugh on January 15, 2013, at 17:57:04
> > By "new tms" are you talking about rTMS or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation?
>
> Last week the FDA approved Deep TMS for depression. It's been available in Europe for three years. rTMS normally penetrates only about 1.5 cm into the brain. The newer Deep TMS, manufactured by Brainsway, penetrates 6 or 7 cm. It looks like it was just approved in Canada today.
>
> http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000814731&fid=1725Interesting. But I'm guessing the technology/equipment wouldn't be ready for months or even a year. I just don't have that time atm because I'm so frikken depressed.
It's basically either rTMS, magnetic seizure therapy or unilateral ECT. Or more drugs. But the only drug I want is nardil + something to augment its sh*tty cold intolerance! Why will no doctor work with me on this, F*CK
Posted by gilmourr on January 16, 2013, at 0:37:00
In reply to Re: Anyone know people that have had ECT?, posted by Zyprexa on January 15, 2013, at 22:22:49
> I have nothing good to say about ECT, except that it got me to take my meds.
>
> If anything I think it made me stupider. In one year I had about the max # of ECTs posible. About 3 a week for many weeks on two occasions. When I first got sick, I would not take my meds, I thought I didn't need them and that I was fine. But my psychosis got the better of me and they put me in the hospital where they gave me ECTs each time. My first hospital stay I can't remember much of, except for a lot of realy crazy dreams. They had me on meds and ect. I was not suicidal (from what I can remember)before ECT or after. Not realy sure what it did for my depression, because I don't remember. 15 years later and I don't have my memory back, and I think I may be a little brain damaged from it. The memory loss is great. I've had people tell me I did things which I have no memory of. Also when I was getting the ECTs I had a very active/distorted dream life. I honestly can't say much for ECT except that it made me stupid.Couldn't it be that the depression caused you to become slower mentally? I feel dramatically slower when I'm majorly depressed.
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.